Have a half Nelson holiday in Norfolk

By Marnie Summerfield Smith 30/08/2008 Mirror.co.uk

Shedloads of fun... colourful huts on Wells Beach

Enjoy the sites of sea hero Admiral Nelson’s favourite stretch of coastline.

British holidays are back in fashion and there's nothing more British than steak and kidney pudding and a pint in a pub Lord Nelson called his local.

The pub in Burnham Thorpe, North Norfolk, is the perfect place to start a break in the region and ponder all that there is on offer. Now called the Lord Nelson, it has a traditional feel and you almost expect Horatio himself to walk in, though he might be surprised to see Nelson's Blood for sale - a tot of Navy rum mixed with herbs and spices.

We don't recommend going horse-riding immediately after lunch (for the horses sake as much as yours), but when you're staying in the area you should visit the Norfolk Shire Horse Centre. It's in West Runton, near Cromer (www.norfolk-shirehorse-centre.co.uk).

For children or beginners there are guided rides through pretty lanes starting at £12.50 for half-an-hour. For the more experienced, the opportunity to hack along the coast.

If you don't fancy leaping into the saddle, there are shire horses and other animals to see at the centre, where there's a lovely picnic area and cafm. It costs £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for kids.

Afterwards pop along to the seaside town of Cromer for a walk along the cheeky pier, where it seems rude not to indulge in an ice cream. Nowhere's far from anywhere on the North Norfolk coast. With its famous big skies and flat landscape, it feels like a small island helped by the fact that everything's well signposted.

We stayed in a caravan at Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells-next-the-Sea which, in the centre of the coastline, is well-situated for exploring. The area has not been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty for nothing.

The park is peaceful. In fact, the only sounds you're likely to hear are ducks quacking and holidaymakers saying good morning as they stroll back from the well-stocked shop with their morning paper.

An incredibly beautiful, sandy beach borders the park. Push through the trees that give Pinewoods its name and up over the sand dunes and a completely unexpected view of miles of golden beaches awaits.

On a sunny day it looks Mediterranean, with the golden sand soft on your feet as you stroll toward the shimmering blue-green ocean. But be aware of the tide it can sneak up if you're not careful.

Really cute beach huts are available for hire. It's tempting to pack some essentials, book in at Pinewoods, hire a beach hut, throw in some buckets, spades, sun cream and swimming costumes and do absolutely nothing else for a week.

But it would be a crime to miss out on fish and chips overlooking Wells harbour. It takes 15 minutes to walk along the sea wall into the village, where you'll find arcades, gift shops, cafes and perfect fish and chips for under a fiver from Frenchs.

There's also The View, overlooking the salt marshes, which has some excellent grub. We had a cracking full English for less than five quid. Between July and October, owners Liz and Bill and their staff can serve up to 600 meals a day (call 01328 710534).

You'll have to find ways to burn off those calories. We went canoeing on the Pinewoods boating lake and had a fun half-hour bouncing off the banks, for £2.50 each.

Some 40 miles from Wells near Hoveton, is BeWILDerwood, a fantastic forest of high wires, walkways and huts. It's brilliant fun even the rain can't stop you enjoying yourself as the trees provide protection (www.bewilderwood.co.uk, family ticket for six, £45).

Activities can work up an appetite, so we made our way to The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe. You can stroll there along the coastal path from the holiday park. At dusk it's magical as birds begin their swooping and calling.

Overlooking the marshes, the gastropub has an enormous conservatory the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. We had Cromer crab to start, but if you only have room for a main course, go for the fish pie.

On another day, we took a boat trip out to see seals at Blakeney Point. It was exciting to see them up close, and we even glimpsed a few pups. Tickets from The Anchor pub in Morston (www.sealtrips.co.uk).

Try the Poppy Line for steam train journeys starting at Sheringham, passing through Weybourne and on to Holt, a charming town with plenty of cute shops (www.nnrailway.co.uk for fares and ticket info).

Then treat yourself to Sunday lunch at Morston Hall (www.morstonhall.com). There's also a set menu each evening for £32, but its good value. And the service is great - the manager and his huge brolly even escorted us to our car during a thunderstorm.

What's the Deal?

For caravans and beach huts at the four-star Pinewoods go to www.pinewoods.co.uk or call 01328 710439. Caravan rental deals include gas, electricity and bedding, plus a welcome pack of bread, milk, tea, coffee and juice. Dogs are allowed in some caravans. They can't go on Wells Beach, but there are others where they are allowed.